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Ditch light
01
a bright lamp mounted on the front of a locomotive or train to illuminate the tracks ahead and improve safety during night travel
What is a "ditch light"?
A ditch light is a type of train headlight typically mounted low on the front of a locomotive, often near the bottom of the frame. It is used to illuminate the tracks, helping to improve visibility in areas where there may be obstructions, such as ditches, during low-light conditions or at night. Ditch lights also help alert people and vehicles near the tracks to the train's presence. They are commonly required for trains operating in certain areas, as they provide an additional safety measure by making the train more visible to those near the tracks.
Examples
Ditch lights help train operators see obstacles on the tracks in low-light conditions.
The bright ditch lights signal the approach of a train from a distance.
